Pretreatment liquid for water-based ink printing applications

ABSTRACT

A pretreatment liquid for applying to the upper surface of a recording media, prior to printing of printing applications using water-based ink, is provided. The liquid comprises a polyvalent metallic salt and at least one of a polymer swelling and a coalescence reagent.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/045,150, filed Jan. 15, 2002, now allowed, whichclaims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60,261,261, filedJan. 16,2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Printing applications using water-based ink include ink jet,flexography, gravure and screen-printing. The ink compositions used inthese methods contain a water-soluble dye dissolved in water or in acombination of water with an organic solvent or a dispersed pigment.

Inks may be colored using either dyes or pigments. It is generallypointed out that an image obtained when using an ink containing a watersoluble dye has poor water fastness and light fastness. In an imageobtained when using an ink containing a pigment as a colorant, however,the colorant is likely to be left near the surface of the recordingmedium. An image obtained by ink containing pigment as a colorant haslight fastness. This unsatisfactory fixation of the colorant on thesurface of the recording medium results in the formation of a print inwhich, when the image is rubbed, the recording medium becomes smearedwith the pigment. Prior art methods propose the addition of a resin tothe ink composition in order to improve the fixation of the colorantonto the recording medium. The resin functions as a binder to stronglyfix the colorant onto the recording medium. For example, laid-openJapanese Patent Application No. 07-157668 demonstrates a conventionalresin-containing ink composition including, for example, an inkcomprising a colorant dispersed in a water-insoluble, resin emulsiondispersion.

An ink jet recording method is a printing method wherein droplets of anink composition are ejected and deposited onto a recording medium. Thisprinting method has a feature that an image having high resolution andhigh quality can be realized at high speed with a relatively inexpensiveapparatus.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,185 discloses a simple process to obtain awater-fast print on paper using a colorant solution containingwater-soluble polymeric dyes. This is accomplished by using a paperemploying substantial cation content, especially a substantialpolyvalent metal ion content for example, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Al³⁺,Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺and Ba²⁺, and applying a solution containing one or morepolymeric colorants possessing anionic net charge, for example, anionicgroups.

Another ink jet recording method has been proposed in Laid-Open JapanesePatent Application No. 05-202328. This method comprises applying apolyvalent metal salt solution onto a recording medium and then applyingan ink composition containing a dye having at least one carboxyl group.According to this method, polyvalent metal ions combine with the dye toform a precipitate, which can provide a high quality image having waterresistance, and which is free from color bleeding.

Recording methods that comprise the steps of printing two solutions, afirst solution and an ink composition, such as JP Application 05-202328have also been disclosed, by way of example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,512.A first solution contains a polyvalent metal salt and/or apolyallylamine, which is used in combination with an ink compositioncontaining an inorganic oxide colloid, and optionally anepoxy-containing compound. The first solution is deposited onto arecording medium, and the ink composition is then deposited by ink jetprinting, realizing an evenly printed image with no significantfeathering, which is free from color bleeding.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,619 presents an ink jet recording method inwhich a reaction solution and an ink composition are used to print on arecording medium. The reaction solution comprises a polyvalent metalsalt, and the ink composition comprises a pigment and a resin emulsion.This method is capable of providing an image having good quality.

Another example of printing with two solutions is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,086,197, which presents an ink jet recording method including thestep o-f depositing a reaction solution and an ink composition onto arecording medium. The ink composition used has a colorant, a resinemulsion and the like and the reaction solution has a reactant reactivewith the colorant and/or the resin emulsion to produce an agglomerate,such as a polyvalent metal salt or a polyalylamine. The reactionsolution and the ink composition each has a surface tension of less than40 mN/m, reached by an addition of an anionic surfactant.

Yet another example is, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,229, which discloses areaction solution for use in a two solution ink jet recording method.The reaction solution comprises at least a polyvalent metallic salt anda component selected from the group consisting of five or six-membersaturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic compound containing at least onenitrogen atom, an optionally alkyl-substituted amide derivative, asulfur-containing compound, an amine, and a cationic surfactant Itpossesses improved storage stability, can improve printing stability,and in addition, can offer a printed image having improved quality.

The two-solution printing method as described in the above patents,which uses a reaction solution and an ink composition, gives a goodsolution to the printing quality achieved on porous material such aspapers and a fair solution to mechanical stability However, the imagemechanical stability, e.g., abrasion resistance and scratch resistance,on non/low-porous materials such as vinyl, anodized metal, various typesof coated papers etc., is very poor. The prior art patents do not dealwith this problem. When reaction solution is deposited on anon/low-porous material and then rapidly followed by the deposition ofthe ink composition, the two solutions react and precipitate all inksolids to form an ink dot. However, this precipitate ink dot has nointeraction with the non/low-porous surface, as the reaction solutiontends to form a liquid boundary between the ink and the recordingmedia's surface. This mechanism damages the mechanical stability of theimage, making it easy to rub off.

Recording media are generally not thermally stable and when exposed tohigh temperatures undergo a change in color. Prior art methods which usethe two-solution printing method further compromise the thermalstability of the recording media, i.e., a recording media which has beentreated with reaction solution and is subjected to a drying processtends to change its color at a significantly lower temperature thanuntreated media The media turns slightly reddish to brown-black,depending on the dryer temperature and the polyvalent metal comprised inthe reaction solution.

It would be desirable to provide a new surface treatment for printingapplications using water-based ink which would provide a quality printedimage with increased mechanical and chemical stability and which wouldprovide thermal stability so as to preserve true color of the recordingmedia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a broad object of the present invention to overcomethe problems of the prior art and provide a surface treatment forprinting applications using water-based ink with improved properties.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a method ofsurface treatment for printing applications using water-based ink thatcan realize a good image.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pretreatmentliquid for use in the surface treatment for printing applications usingwater-based ink.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a methodof surface treatment for printing applications using water-based inkinvolving printing of ink on a highly porous or non/low-porous, lowsurface energy media.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofsurface treatment for printing applications using water-based ink whichcan realize an image that is highly mechanically stable.

A further object of the present invention is to a method of surfacetreatment for printing applications using water-based ink which canrealize an image that is highly chemically stable.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a methodof surface treatment for printing applications using water-based inkthat provides thermal stability.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thereis provided a method of printing media surface treatment for printingapplications using water-based ink comprising the steps of:

-   -   applying a pretreatment liquid comprising a polyvalent metallic        salt and at least one of a polymer swelling reagent and a        coalescence reagent on to a surface of a recording medium to        provide a pretreated recording medium;    -   allowing the pretreatment liquid to partially dry;    -   printing an ink composition onto the pretreated recording        medium; and    -   drying the pretreated recording medium having the ink        composition thereon at high temperature.

There is also provided a pretreatment liquid for printing applicationsusing water-based ink comprising: a polyvalent metallic salt and atleast one of a polymer swelling reagent and a coalescence reagent.

The surface treatment for printing applications using water-based ink ofthe present invention comprises a surface pretreatment of the recordingmedia prior to the deposition of the ink on the surface, wherein thepretreatment liquid is an aqueous and/or alcoholic solution or an oil inwater emulsion containing a polyvalent metal salt, and at least one ofan organic swelling reagent and a coalescence reagent. The pretreatmentliquid is applied with a rubbing motion in a thin layer of approximately4 μm to the entire upper surface of the recording media. The swellingreagent and/or the coalescence reagent cause the upper 3-5 μm to swelland the polyvalent metal cations become embedded in the surface. Afterpartial drying of the pretreated media, ink composition is depositedonto the surface to form an image. The ink solids precipitate inresponse to the embedded cations deposited in the pretreatment, and forminteractions above and below the surface of the media to give amechanically stable ink dot Post-print drying at temperatures highenough to evaporate the swelling reagent and/or the coalescence reagent,the ink dot remains embedded in the surface of the media

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention with regard to theembodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, inwhich like numerals designate corresponding elements or sectionsthroughout, and in which:

FIGS. 1 a-d show the method of the prior art two solution printingprocess, FIG. 1 a shows a cross-section of a non/low-porous, low surfaceenergy printing medium;

FIG. 1 b shows a drop of low surface tension ink jet ink placed on theabove printing medium surface;

FIG. 1 c demonstrates ink dot formation by a phase separation mechanismafter the above ink reacts with reaction solution placed on the aboveprinting surface;

FIG. 1 d shows a dried ink dot on the surface of the above printingmedium;

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate the new surface treatment for inkjet printingapplications of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of anon/low-porous, low surface energy printing medium which has beentreated with the surface pretreatment liquid of the present invention;FIG. 3 shows a drop of low surface tension ink jet ink placed on thepretreated printing medium surface; FIG. 4 demonstrates ink dotformation by phase separation mechanism; FIG. 5 illustrates the printedink dot on the dried printing medium surface;

Table 1 summarizes the test results from tests made on wall covervinyls;

Table 2 summarizes the test results from tests made on self-adhesivevinyls;

Table 3 describes different surface pretreatment liquids used in example61;

Table 4 summarizes the results of the tests that were performed as pertable 3;

Table 5 describes different surface pretreatment liquids used in example62;

Table 6 summarizes the results of the tests that were performed as pertable 5;

Table 7 describes different surface pretreatment liquids used in example63;

Table 8 summarizes the results of the tests that were performed as pertable 7;

Table 9 summarizes the results of example 64;

Table 10 summarizes the color change in the recording medium; and

Table 11 describes the results of flexographic printing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 a-d illustrate the prior art two-solution printing method.Referring now to FIG. 1 a, there is shown standard non/low-porous, lowsurface energy printing medium 10, which is comprised of two layers.Upper layer 12 is a low surface energy material like vinyl, and lowerlayer 14 is a paper used as the backbone of recording medium 10.Recording medium 10 has been treated with a reaction solution such asthose described in the prior art. In FIG. 1 b, a drop of low surfacetension ink jet ink 16 is placed on upper layer 12 of printing medium10. FIG. 1 c demonstrates dot 18 formation caused by the interaction ofthe ink with the reaction solution deposited on upper layer 12. Dot 18forms on top of the surface of upper layer 12. FIG. 1 d shows ink dot 18after it has dried and remains on the surface of upper layer 12 ofprinting medium 10. Interaction and adhesive forces occur only on thecontact interface between the dry ink dot 18 and the surface of theupper layer 12, giving ink dot 18 poor mechanical stability.

FIG. 2 refers to a standard non/low-porous, low surface energy printingmedium 10, which has been pretreated with the pretreatment liquid of thepresent invention. The pretreatment liquid deposition onto the recordingmedium may be carried out by applying a thin layer (not more than 4 μm,wet), preferably using a rubbing motion. The surface pretreatment liquidused in the present invention comprises a polyvalent metallic salt, awater-soluble polymer swelling reagent and a coalescence reagent and maybe used as a solution or an emulsion.

The polyvalent metal salt in the pretreatment liquid is comprised ofdivalent or higher polyvalent metallic ions and anions bonded to thepolyvalent metallic ions and is soluble in water, alcohol or a mixtureof both. Specific examples of polyvalent metallic ions include divalentmetallic ions, such as a Ca⁺², Zn⁺², Ba⁺², Mg⁺², and trivalent metallicions such as Al⁺³, Fe⁺³ and Cr⁺³. Anions include Cl⁻, I⁻, Br⁻, NO₃ ⁻,RCOO⁻ (where R is H or any hydrocarbon chain) and SO₄ ⁻². A metal saltcomprised of the metallic ions Zn⁺² and Ca⁺², provides especiallyfavorable results in terms of image mechanical stability and lack ofmedia damage (in terms of color and texture). The concentration of thepolyvalent metal salt in the pretreatment liquid may be suitablydetermined so as to attain the effect of providing a good print qualitywith no negative effect on the recording media It is, however,preferably approximately 0.1% to 30% by weight, more preferablyapproximately 2% to 25% by weight

According to the present invention, the polyvalent metal salt anions arepreferably a chloride (Cl⁻) or an acetate (CH₃COO⁻), for optimal thermalstability.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a pretreatment liquid comprising a polymer swelling reagent Thepresence of a swelling reagent enables the polyvalent metal salt toinsert into the media surface and be implanted in it Preferred examplesof swelling reagent are N-methyl pyrrolidone, esters such as, ethylacetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactateetc., ketones such as acetone and methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK) and cyclicethers such as THF. The concentration of the swelling reagent in thepretreatment liquid may be suitably determined so as to attain theeffect of providing a good print quality with a highly mechanicallystable image and no negative effect on the recording media It, however,is preferably approximately 0.1% to 15% by weight, more preferablyapproximately 0.5% to 7.5% by weight.

According to second embodiment of the present invention the pretreatmentliquid comprises a coalescence reagent The presence of a coalescencereagent enables the creation of a stable dot shape with good filmproperties. These good film properties promote the mechanical stabilityof the dot and consequently of the entire image. Preferred example ofcoalescence reagent are Butyl glycol, Butyl carbitol, di(propyleneglycol) methyl ether (DPM), tripropylene glycol mono methyl ether (TPM),propylene glycol mono methyl ether, propylene glycol mono propyl ether,dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether. The concentration of the coalescencereagent in the pretreatment liquid may be suitably determined so as toattain the effect of providing a good print quality with a highlymechanically stable image and no negative effect on the recording media.It, however, is preferably approximately 0.1% to 15% by weight, morepreferably approximately 0.5% to 6% by weight. Swelling reagents andcoalescence reagents may be used together.

The top 3-5 μm layer of the upper printing media's surface 12 is swelledby the pretreatment liquid creating swelled surface 20. Polyvalent metalsalt 22 becomes embedded in the swelled surface 20. After thepretreatment liquid is applied, the surface is allowed to partially dry.

FIG. 3 shows a drop of low surface tension ink jet ink 16 placed onmedia 10 which has been treated to obtain swelled surface 20 and allowedto partially dry. Ink jet ink 16 is comprised of a colorant and a resin.Due to the swelling of the top 3-5 μm layer of the upper printingmedia's surface 12, ink drop 16 has partially penetrated swelled surface20.

FIG. 4 demonstrates the formation of ink dot 24 by a phase separationmechanism. Dot 24 is composed of the resin and colorant found in the inkand is implanted into swelled surface 20 of medium 10 while the inkliquids 26 remain on the surface of media 10. The presence of thecoalescence reagent and polyvalent metal salt 22 embedded in swelledsurface 20, creates a stable dot shape with good film properties.

FIG. 5 illustrates printed ink dot 24 on dried surface 12. After dotformation the media is dried at high temperatures to evaporate theswelling reagent and/or coalescence reagent so that upper layer 12returns to its basically solid state. Dot 24 is thereby implanted inlayer 12, to provide an ink dot with a strong mechanical stability.

According to the surface treatment for printing applications usingwater-based applications of the present invention, mechanically andchemically stable good quality printing can be realized by bringing thetreatment solution into contact with the recording media surface, priorto the deposition of the ink composition. The surface must then bepartially dry, at least from all the water, before the deposition of theink composition.

Although the present invention is not intended to be bound by thefollowing hypothesis, it is hypothesized that the reason why amechanically and chemically superior image can be achieved by thepresent invention is as follows. Upon exposure of the low energy surfaceto the treatment solution the swelling reagent interacts with thesurface and swells the top 3-5 μm layer of upper layer 12 of theprinting media The local swelling enables the coalescence reagent andthe polyvalent metal ions to penetrate into swelled surface 20 and embedin it. Upon contact of the ink composition with the activated, swelledsurface a phase separation occurs resulting in agglomeration of theink's colorant and resin. The agglomerates are formed into well-defineddot 24 with good film properties due to the presence of the coalescencereagent. Because of the swelled state of the upper layer 12 dot 24 isstabilized in the surface of recording media 10. Upon drying, theswelling reagent and the coalescence reagent are evaporated from thesurface returning it to its original state, leaving the image implantedinto upper layer 12. Furthermore, color bleeding in a color image, thatis, uneven color mixing at the boundaries of different colors, can alsobe advantageously prevented.

The results of analyses of wall cover vinyl are shown in Table 1. Notethat dot diameter is consistently lower in treated samples than innon-treated samples showing that there is less spread of the ink dot.These are the results of tests performed in Examples 1-16 below.Similarly, in Table 2 there are shown the results of tests done onself-adhesive vinyl with different surface textures and qualities. Heretoo there is consistent improvement in print quality with the treatedsamples and often decreased dot diameter and optical density showingthat the ink is being held in place and is not spreading. These are theresults of tests performed in Examples 17-58.

Specific examples follow:

EXAMPLE 1

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% di(ethylene glycol)butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold under thetrade name SCL 90/90 SMW3, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. It was then placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481,assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. The following quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image: optical density measurements using reflectiondensitometer model D19C from GRETAG, nub resistance using rub testermodel A7 from Wallace (200 rds/2Lb load), scratch resistance, waterresistance, detergent resistance, dot diameter using Carton microscopeand color change of the treated, unprinted areas.

EXAMPLE 2

An untreated wall cover vinyl sold under the trade name SCL 90/90 SMW3,as a control to example 1, was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481,assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1

EXAMPLE 3

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold under thetrade name SCL 90/90 (182), using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481,assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 4

An untreated wall cover vinyl sold under the trade name SCL 90/90 (182),as a control to example 3, was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481,assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 5

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold under thetriad name SCL 90/90 XER3, using RK rod. The treated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 6

An untreated wall cover vinyl sold under the triad name SCL 90/90 XER3,as a reference to example 5, was placed on an XY bed, where it wasimaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 7

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm coating layerwas deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold under the triad name SCL 80/90DT319, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at 45° C. for 10 sec.Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image)using the inkjet print head described in EP640481 assigned to Aprion.After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Qualityand mechanical tests were performed to the dry image as described inexample 1.

EXAMPLE 8

An untreated wall cover vinyl sold under the triad name SCL 80/90 DT319,as a reference to example 7, was placed on an XY bed, where it wasimaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 9

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was was deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold underthe triad name SCL 90/120 LTE15, using RK rod. The coated vinyl wasdried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 10

An untreated wall cover vinyl sold under the triad name SCL 90/120LTE15, as a reference to example 9, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 11

A surface pie-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold under thetriad name Chamberline 90/90, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was driedat 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it wasimaged (600 dpi image) using the injet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 12

An untreated a wall cover vinyl sold under the triad name Chamberline90/90, as a reference to example 11, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 13

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold under thetriad name Forbo 90/90, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at 45°C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged (600dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481 assigned toAprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec.Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry image asdescribed in example 1.

EXAMPLE 14

An untreated a wall cover vinyl sold under the triad name Forbo 90/90,as a reference to example 13, was placed on an XY bed, where it wasimaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 15

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a non woven substrate sold under thetrade name Borastapeter 4811, using RK rod The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 16

An untreated non woven substrate sold under the trade name Borastapeter4811, as a reference to example 15, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 17

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Multi fix digital white premium, using RK rod. The coatedvinyl was dried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed,where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481, assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 18

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Multi fixdigital white premium, as a reference to example 17, was placed on an XYbed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 19

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name MII International 72A premium, using RK rod. The coated vinylwas dried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, whereit was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 20

An untreated a self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name MIIInternational 72A premium s, as a reference to example 19, was placed onan XY bed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet printhead described in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the imagewas dried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 21

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name BUSmark FLXcon, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 22

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name BUSmarkFLXcon, as a reference to example 21, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 23

A surface pretreating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂, 5%N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether (DEGBE)and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer of treatmentsolution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under the tradename JAC SERILUX 70100 DURO-E 110, using RK rod. The coated vinyl wasdried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet pint head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 24

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name JAC SERILUX70100 DURO-E 110 se, as a reference to example 23, was placed on an XYbed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 25

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name JAC SERILUX 72100 DURO-E 110, using RK rod. The coated vinylwas dried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, whereit was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 26

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name JAC SERILUX72100 DURO-E 110, as a reference to example 25, was placed on an XY bed,where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 27

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name JAC SIGN INKEJT 70102 NONPERM A5, using RK rod. The coatedvinyl was dried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed,where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 28

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name JAC SIGNINKJET 70102 NONPERM A5, as a reference to example 27, was placed on anXY bed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 29

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac MACSCREEN 8129, using RK rod. The coated vinyl wasdried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 30

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name MactacMACSCREEN 8129, as a reference to example 29, was placed on an XY bed,where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 31

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared.A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac MACSCREEN 8128, using RK, rod. The coated vinyl wasdried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 32

An untreated a self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name MactacMACSCREEN 8128, as a reference to example 31, was placed on an XY bed,where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 33

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac MACal 9829 S, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was driedat 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it wasimaged (600 dpi image) using the injet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 34

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Mactac MACal9829, as a reference to example 33, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 35

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac MACal 8929 S, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was driedat 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it wasimaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 36

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Mactac MACal8929 S, as a reference to example 35, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 37

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac JT 1629 P, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 38

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Mactac JT1629 P, as a reference to example 37, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 39

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac JT 1628 P, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 40

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Mactac JT1628 P, as a reference to example 39, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 41

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac JT 1828 R, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 42

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Mactac JT1828 R, as a reference to example 41, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 43

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac JT 1829 R, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 44

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Mactac JT1829 R, as a reference to example 43, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 45

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac JT 1820 P, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 46

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Mactac JT1820 P, as a reference to example 45, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 47

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Mactac JT 1028 P, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 48

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name Mactac JT1028 P, as a reference to example 47, was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 49

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Avery Dennison 3112, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was driedat 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it wasimaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 50

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name AveryDennison 3112, as a reference to example 49, was placed on an XY bed,where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 51

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Avery Dennison IPM Banner AD, using RK rod. The coated vinylwas dried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, whereit was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 52

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name AveryDennison IPM Banner AD, as a reference to example 51, was placed on anXY bed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 53

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Avery Dennison MPI 1003, using RK rod The coated vinyl wasdried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 54

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name AveryDennison MPI 1003, as a reference to example 53, was placed on an XYbed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 55

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Avery Dennison MPI 2002 AD, using RK rod. The coated vinylwas dried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, whereit was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 56

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name AveryDennison MPI 2002 AD, as a reference to example 55, was placed on an XYbed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 57

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a self-adhesive vinyl sold under thetrade name Avery Dennison IPM 2031, using RK rod. The coated vinyl wasdried at 45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where itwas imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described inEP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed tothe dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 58

An untreated self-adhesive vinyl sold under the trade name AveryDennison IPM 2031, as a reference to example 57, was placed on an XYbed, where it was imaged (600 dpi image) using the inkjet print headdescribed in EP640481 assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image wasdried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests wereperformed to the dry image as described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 59

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZrAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold under thetrade name SCL 90/90 X , using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at 45°C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged (600dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481 assigned toAprion After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec.Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry image asdescribed in example 1.

EXAMPLE 60

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 5% Di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether(DEGBE) and 73.56% deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was deposited on a wall cover vinyl sold under thetrade name SCL 90/90 XER3, using RK rod. The coated vinyl was dried at45° C. for 10 sec. Then it was placed on an XY bed, where it was imaged(600 dpi image) using the inkjet print head described in EP640481assigned to Aprion. After printing, the image was dried at 150-170° C.for 15 sec. Quality and mechanical tests were performed to the dry imageas described in example 1.

EXAMPLE 61

Wall cover vinyl sold under the trade name SCL 90/90 XER3 was buffedwith different surface pretreatment liquids as described in table 3. Inkwas applied to the treated surface by 12 μm RK rod. The film was thendried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Mechanical tests were performed to thedry film as described in example 1. Table 4 summarizes the results ofthe tests that were performed as per table 3.

EXAMPLE 62

Wall cover vinyl sold under the trade name SCL 90/90 XER3 was buffedwith different surface pretreatment liquids as described in table 5. Inkwas applied to the treated surface by 12 μm RK rod. The film was thendried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Mechanical tests were performed to thedry film as described in example 1. Table 6 summarizes the results oftests that were performed as per table 5.

EXAMPLE 63

Wall cover vinyl sold under the trade name SCL 90/90 XER3 was buffedwith different surface pretreatment liquids as described in table 7. Inkwas applied to the treated surface by 12 μm RK rod. The film was thendried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Mechanical tests were performed to thedry film as described in example 1. Table 8 summarizes the results oftests that were performed as per table 7.

EXAMPLE 64

A surface pre-treating emulsion consisting of 13.14% ZnAc, 3.3% CaCl₂,5% Twin 20 (HLB 16.7), 10% Butyl lactate and 68.56% deionized water, wasprepared according to the following procedure: forming an emulsion ofButyl lactate in water stabilized by Twin 20 (HLB 16.7), then adding thesalts to form a Butyl lactate emulsion in aqueous salt solution. A 4 μmlayer of treatment solution was smeared on a wall cover vinyl sold underthe trade name SCL 90/90 XER3, using RK rod. After the coated vinyl wasdried at 45° C. for 10 sec, ink was applied to the treated surface by 12μm RK rod. The film was then dried at 150-170° C. for 15 sec. Mechanicaltests were performed to the dry film as described in example 1. Table 9summarizes the results of example 64.

EXAMPLE 65

A surface pretreating liquid consisting of 0.8M ZnAc salt or ZnCl₂ saltor CaCl₂ salt and deionized water, was prepared. A 4 μm layer oftreatment solution was smeared on a wall cover vinyl sold under thetrade name SCL 90/90 SMW3, using an RK rod. Each of the coated vinyl wasplaced in the oven for 1 minute at 170° C., while leaving a referenceout of the oven. After the samples were taken out, the color change ofthe substrate was compared to the reference. Table 10 summarizes thecolor change in the recording medium.

EXAMPLE 66

A surface pre-treating solution consisting of 7.5% CaCl₂, 2% ZnCl₂ in1:1 water: Ethanol solution was hand rubbed on a coated corrugatedboard. The board was placed on a Master-flex by Bobst model 160FTprinter. A non-treated coated corrugated board was printed under thesame conditions. The results of the flexographic printing are describedin table 11.

Having described the invention with regard to certain specificembodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is notmeant as a limitation, since further modifications may now suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover suchmodifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A pretreatment liquid for printing applications using water-basedink, said liquid comprising: a polyvalent metallic salt and at least oneof a polymer swelling reagent and a coalescence reagent.
 2. Thepretreatment liquid of claim 1 wherein said liquid is a solution.
 3. Thepretreatment liquid of claim 1 wherein said polymer swelling reagent isan organic phase emulsion in water, wherein at least one of saidswelling reagent and said coalescence reagent are in said organic phasewhich is emulsified in water containing said polyvalent metallic salt.4. The pretreatment liquid of claim 1 wherein said polyvalent metallicsalt includes at least one of divalent and trivalent metallic cations.5. The pretreatment liquid of claim 1 wherein said metallic cations arechosen from the group consisting of: Ca⁺², Zn⁺², Ba⁺², Mg⁺²,Al⁺³, Fe⁺³and Cr⁺³.
 6. The pretreatment liquid of claim 1 wherein said metalliccations are chosen from the group consisting of: Ca⁺² and Zn⁺².
 7. Thepretreatment liquid of claim 6 wherein said calcium cation comprisesbetween approximately 2% to approximately 25% of said pretreatmentliquid.
 8. The pretreatment liquid of claim 6 wherein said calciumcation comprises between approximately 3% to approximately 20% of saidpretreatment liquid.
 9. The pretreatment liquid of claim 6 wherein saidzinc cation comprises between approximately 5% to approximately 20% ofsaid pretreatment liquid.
 10. The pretreatment liquid of claim 6 whereinsaid zinc cation comprises between approximately 10% to approximately17% of said pretreatment liquid.
 11. The pretreatment liquid of claim 1wherein said polyvalent metallic salt is comprised of an anion from thegroup of: Cl⁻, I⁻, Br⁻, N₃ ⁻, RCOO⁻ and SO₄ ⁻².
 12. The pretreatmentliquid of claim 1 wherein said polyvalent metallic salt is comprised ofan anion from the group of: Cl⁻ and CH₃COO⁻.
 13. The pretreatment liquidof claim 1 wherein said polymer swelling reagent is chosen from thegroup consisting of: N-methyl pyrrolidone, organic esters including,ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl lactate, butyllactate, ketones including acetone and methyl-ethyl-ketone and cyclicethers including tetrahydrofuran.
 14. The pretreatment liquid of claim 1wherein said polymer swelling reagent comprises between approximately0.1% to approximately 15% by weight of said pretreatment liquid.
 15. Thepretreatment liquid of claim 1 wherein said polymer swelling reagentcomprises between approximately 0.5% to approximately 7.5% by weight ofsaid pretreatment liquid.
 16. The pretreatment liquid of claim 1 whereinsaid coalescence reagent is chosen from the group consisting of: butylglycol, butyl carbitol, glycol ethers including: di(propylene glycol)methyl ether, tripropylene glycol mono methyl ether, propylene glycolmono methyl ether, propylene glycol mono propyl ether, and dipropyleneglycol dimethyl ether.
 17. The pretreatment liquid of claim 1 whereinsaid coalescence reagent comprises between approximately 0.1% toapproximately 15% by weight of said pretreatment liquid.
 18. Thepretreatment liquid of claim 1 wherein said coalescence reagentcomprises between approximately 0.5% to approximately 6% by weight ofsaid pretreatment liquid.